Haven't been to DL in 3 years -- so much to catch up on!

[brenda1966]

Summer 2012 was the last time we were in Disneyland, so we've experienced the Carsland mania and the WOC challenges, but not having been for 3 years leaves my head in a spin over all the new stuff!

What do I need to keep my eye out for?

Fastpass -- okay, so the return windows are enforced. I read through hydroguy's tips. Ride during the golden hour, and then FP. But DO get FP for Fantasmic! at some point. I have already booked the BB F!dinner for our last night, just in case we haven't been able to see F! by then (and we may crave a nice sit down dinner by then.)

New rides? None. But ride updates? Sounds like Hatbox ghost in HM, some updates in Matterhorn and some update to BTMRR. Anything else we should look for?

Shows? Well, the new parade, updated WOC and new fireworks shows are a must see for sure. I've read the strategies on those. Any other new shows we should make a point to see? I'm travelling with a teen, but we love a good musical variety show.

Characters -- of course the Frozen characters are new. Get a FP for Olaf and hope I don't melt in the sun! I doubt I can get my teen to go see Elsa. Any other new characters of note?

Any new foods we should look for? Would love to ride in the Lilly Belle, but since our trip is July I'm sure it will be too hot. Anything else we should try to experience that we probably haven't in our many trips there?

We are staying at the BWPPI for the first time. I have always wanted to stay so close and after walking to Hojo's so many times decided it was time for the short walk.

Can't wait to return "home".

 

[Indiana Scott]

We haven't been in a while either and are looking forward to all the updates. Probably going the first week of Nov.
Cant wait!

 

[figment_jii]

Fastpass -- okay, so the return windows are enforced. I read through hydroguy's tips. Ride during the golden hour, and then FP. But DO get FP for Fantasmic! at some point. I have already booked the BB F!dinner for our last night, just in case we haven't been able to see F! by then (and we may crave a nice sit down dinner by then.)

Yes, both F! and WoC use the FP system and you will need to get a FP unless you want to chance the standby viewing area for F!. The FPs are distributed along the Big Thunder Trail and are disconnected from the rest of the FP system. Note that they distribute the FPs in a manner similar to the WoC system (first show first, then second show). You cannot select a show time or viewing area color.

New rides? None. But ride updates? Sounds like Hatbox ghost in HM, some updates in Matterhorn and some update to BTMRR. Anything else we should look for?

Those are the big ones that come to mind. Depending on when you go, Peter Pan may have re-opened and it's supposed to have been updated. They also added Arandelle to the Storybook Canal boat ride (you can also catch a glimpse of it from Casey Jr. Train). I think Splash also has had some updates, but I haven't ridden it so I can't say for sure.

Shows? Well, the new parade, updated WOC and new fireworks shows are a must see for sure. I've read the strategies on those. Any other new shows we should make a point to see? I'm travelling with a teen, but we love a good musical variety show.

Mickey and Magic Map is a stage show in DL. It features an eclectic mix of songs from a variety of different Disney animated movies. They also are presenting Frozen Sing-Along at the Royal Theater in DCA and a mini-production (more like a comic version) at Fantasy Faire in DL. I also like the Diamond Mad T Party in DCA. While not a stage show, I also think listening to the Dapper Dans, Five and Dime, and the Newsboys are fun.

Characters -- of course the Frozen characters are new. Get a FP for Olaf and hope I don't melt in the sun! I doubt I can get my teen to go see Elsa. Any other new characters of note?

It's worth noting that both Olaf and Anna & Elsa use the FP/Return Ticket system. It's not linked to the rest of the DCA FP system. They do run out, so stop by early (I believe Olaf has shorter hours than A&E). The Marvel characters (Thor and Captain America) are meeting guests in Tomorrowland.

Any new foods we should look for?

The menus are often changing, so there is always something new to try!

 

[Disney Kidd]

They also updated Alice in Wonderland. Earl of Sandwich opened in the fall of 2012 in Downtown Disney - good sandwiches!

 

[brenda1966]

Thanks Figment_jii! Lots of good information in there. Had no idea Peter Pan was closed, but if it reopens on July 1 as expected we should be fine. That's one good thing about summer peak -- fewer refurbs.

I love Frozen so I guess I need to look a bit closer at what's going on in the Fantasy Faire area. I'll likely drag my reluctant teen to the sing along -- that should be fun. And the Mickey and the Magic Lamp show sounds good. One thing they do in Tokyo which was nice for those kind of shows is have a lottery to get tickets and your seat is assigned -- you don't have to waste time trying to get a seat, it's all by chance. I think moving towards FP for some of these shows is helpful as you don't have to devote as much time waiting.

Thanks DisneyKidd -- good to know Earl of Sandwhich is in DTD. We've eaten at the one in WDW many times. Hopefully we'll have enough time to venture into DTD at DL -- we rarely go over there.